Provides system-wide leadership for the development of effective and appropriate special education programs, ensuring that all district practices are legal and ethical for each student/family so that every child has the opportunity to achieve at a high level and be prepared for post-secondary success. Leads special education administrators and team members, creating a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and learning in the development and delivery of services aligned with district goals and objectives. Supports equitable evidence-based practices and programming for academic growth and achievement, social-emotional learning, and behavior management within a multi-tiered system of support framework.
As part of a values-based organization, achieves Board of Education ends and goals through our shared commitment to Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun. Plans, assigns and supervises the work performed in the areas of responsibility and ensures compliance with District policy and practices and appropriate federal, state and local rules and regulations.
**The Director must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position.
- A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
- Salary Range: $116,458 - $142,639/annually. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
- In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.
- Implements and maintains special education programs and services for students ages 3-21, ensuring that schools and the District follow all state and federal regulations
- Develops system procedures for identification, evaluation and placement of students with special education needs
- Provides leadership and system representation in matters relating to due process procedural safeguards
- Represents the school system in dealing with outside agencies and organizations concerned with special education
- Collaborates effectively with district staff, families, special education teachers and the community for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining and evaluating educational services and/or programs
- Oversees operational functions, including the recruitment, hiring, supervision and evaluation of staff; professional development; budget management; compliance monitoring
- Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining district special education programs and services that achieve desired objectives
- Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program; incorporates policies and procedures in accordance with laws and regulations
- Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related field required
- Doctorate preferred
- Three or more years of management experience in the administration of special education programs to include two (2) or more years as a school leader or similar leadership role in education required
- Three (3) years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting required
- Three (3) years of management responsibility experience required
- Colorado Director of Special Education licensure required
- Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
- Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
- Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.
About UsDenver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.
Skills Required
- Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related field
- Doctorate
- Three or more years of management experience in administration of special education programs
- Two or more years as a school leader or similar leadership role in education
- Three years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting
- Three years of management responsibility experience
- Colorado Director of Special Education licensure
- Willingness to sign and maintain confidentiality agreement
- Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, with or without accommodations
What We Do
The mission of Denver Public Schools is to provide all students the opportunity to achieve the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing citizens in our diverse society. In DPS, we’re focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. We’re re-focusing our efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon. In the last ten years, DPS has experienced unprecedented growth and an expansion of programs. Building on the strong progress we’ve made, we want to continue transforming DPS into a school district grounded in equity. This districtwide focus on equity will be embedded in everything we do, so that we can help break historical patterns and become a school district that is designed to inspire every student to dream big and make their own future. View all of our current career openings here: https://careers.dpsk12.org/
